Last winter, new theatre company Twin City Squared surprised C-U with its creation and announcement of the intent to bring new acting opportunities to the community. Focused on creating chances for actors who are usually under-represented, the new outfit staged productions primarily centered around women and minorities, with a fun one or two for good measure.
This winter, the season announcement is full of ambition as well as diversity and entertainment value. The press release stated that all roles will be filled without regard for gender or ethnicity, with the exception of Shotgun, where race is integral to the plot. Tickets for the first two productions are already for sale on their website, even though it is a little sparse at the moment.
Here’s the full rundown, with dates as available.
Broadway Backwards is a one-night performance of gender-flipped serenades from your favorite showtunes. It’s also a benefit for both the upcoming season and for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. (Auditions are this Sunday if you’re interested in participating)
Saturday, March 4th, 8 p.m., the SoDo Theatre
Bleacher Bums was written in the late seventies, by such famous Chicagoans as Dennis Franz and Joe Mantegna for the Chicago Organic Theatre Company. It’s a comedy about a group of die-hard Cubs fans, and as it will be staged in the second half of April, it will line up with the opening of the first season…after.
April 21-30 7 p.m., the SoDo Theatre
Shotgun by John Biguenet will set a more serious tone, exploring what happens when two families — one black, one white — share a New Orleans duplex after Hurricane Katrina. Planned for June.
Billy Elliot is based on the film of the same name, and will provide some lighter fare with an uplifting story of a boy who ultimately achieves his dream of dancing. There are some tough struggles ahead, both for the character and the young person chosen to play him, although Twin City plans on holding a “Billy Camp” training session to teach young boys ages 8-14 the skills they will need for the roles they will play in August. 
Waiting for Godot is the apex of the season, and staging Beckett’s most widely-known play is truly an ambitious undertaking. With only a few actors, the leads have been played by such talents as: Steve Martin, Robin Williams, Geoffrey Rush, Mel Gibson, Nathan Lane, John Goodman, and Bill Irwin. If you’re not sure what it’s about, well, you’re not alone. But this choice is interesting, as Beckett vehemently objected to females playing any of the roles, and even tried to sue a theatre company over the issue. October is the projected date for this production.